September 26, 2024 – New York: OSTrails was proud to participate in the side workshop "Transforming Knowledge into Practice: Science, Technology, and Innovation in Support of the UN SDGs", held during the Science Summit 2024 at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79). This workshop brought together European organizations and global stakeholders to explore how science, technology, and innovation can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on biodiversity conservation and restoration. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing biodiversity challenges, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF).

Natalia Manola, CEO of OpenAIRE and project coordinator of OSTrails, gave a presentation showcasing OSTrails' innovative approach to transforming research data management within the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), with a particular focus on advancing the global biodiversity agenda.

Manola outlined several challenges in research data management (RDM), including the limited effectiveness of current Data Management Plans (DMPs) and the need to improve Scientific Knowledge Graphs (SKGs). She emphasized how OSTrails is addressing these challenges by creating an integrated research ecosystem that spans planning, tracking, and assessing research outputs. This ecosystem ensures better collaboration across infrastructures and more consistent FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) assessments.

Additionaly, Manola introduced two thematic pilots under OSTrails that showcase the project’s innovative approach in advancing research in biodiversity and marine/coastal fields:

1. The Biodiversity Pilot, led by LifeWatch ERIC, aims to enhance the discoverability and usability of biodiversity data by integrating multiple environmental data sources into federated searches. The pilot focuses on seamlessly integrating databases within the ENVRI infrastructure.

2. The ENVRI / JERICO pilot, led by SOCIB in collaboration with JERICO, focuses on advancing marine and coastal research by expanding the JERICO e-infrastructure to integrate DMPs, datasets, and other digital objects.

Finally, Natalia highlighted OSTrails’ contributions to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF) Targets through the following key areas:

1. Data Management and Accessibility: OSTrails enhances the accessibility of biodiversity data, helping to meet K-M GBF Targets 1, 2, and 3, which focus on reducing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems.
2. Promoting Collaborative Governance: OSTrails develops participatory DMP templates, supporting Target 22, which emphasizes inclusive decision-making and the rights of indigenous communities.
3. Supporting Evidence-Based Policy: OSTrails' FAIR assessments of research data contribute to informed decision-making, aligned with Target 21, which promotes the use of knowledge for biodiversity action.
4. Promoting Sustainable Practices: OSTrails aligns with Targets 9 and 10, ensuring the sustainable management of biodiversity data and promoting biodiversity-friendly practices.
5. Promoting Scientific Innovation: By improving digital infrastructures and fostering collaboration, OSTrails supports Target 20, advancing scientific and technical cooperation for biodiversity conservation.

Through this innovative approach, OSTrails empowers global efforts to make biodiversity data more accessible and actionable, helping to meet the ambitious goals of the K-M GBF.

In addition to her presentation, several OSTrails partners made significant contributions to the workshop: Natalia Manola also presented "OpenAIRE," Yannis Ioannidis from Athena Research Center delivered "EOSC, a Technical 'System of Systems' for Collaboration/EOSC Future," and LifeWatch ERIC, which organized and chaired the workshop, presented "The Example of the European Collaborative Effort on Biodiversity" and "LifeWatch ERIC".

The "Transforming Knowledge into Practice" workshop underscored the vital role that science and technology play in addressing global challenges. OSTrails’ contributions to the event highlighted its pivotal role in supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and advancing the SDGs. By improving research infrastructure and fostering international collaboration, OSTrails continues to lead the way in supporting global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Further Resources: 

• For the workshop, see: Science Summit 2024: [ROOFTOP] Transforming Knowledge into Pr... (sched.com)

• For the abstract of the workshop, see: Transforming Knowledge into Practice: Science, Technology and Innovation in Support of the UN SDGs (riojournal.com)

• For OSTrails presentation, see: https://zenodo.org/uploads/13889535

• For the 2030 Targets of the K-M GBF, see: 2030 Targets (with Guidance Notes) (cbd.int)

• For the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), see: THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)

As part of the ongoing efforts within the OSTrails project, D2.1: Analysis of the OSTrails Interoperability Framework Tools Compliance assess the compliance of tools with the OSTrails Pathways and Interoperability Framework. Interoperability plays a crucial role in ensuring that tools and services can communicate and work together without technical barriers, enabling the smooth sharing and exchange of research outputs (such as datasets, software, publication) across diverse platforms— a fundamental aspect of open science. The Pathways, on the other hand, serve as blueprints that map out the interactions between DMPs, SKGs, and FAIR assessment tools, illustrating the sequence of steps and processes necessary to achieve seamless integration and functionality.

D 2.1 evaluates the compliance of 38 tools, including Data Management Planning (DMP) platforms, Scientific Knowledge Graphs (SKGs), FAIR assessment tools, Current Research Information Systems (CRIS), and repositories. Each tool was systematically assessed for its alignment with the OSTrails Interoperability Framework, with the goal of identifying technological synergies, existing gaps, and areas for further development to ensure seamless integration within the evolving RDM landscape.

Key findings from the analysis highlight the broad adoption of core technologies and standards across the evaluated tools. However, gaps remain in areas such as comprehensive notification systems, variability in provenance documentation, and the need for continuous updates to meet emerging standards. Addressing these gaps will be critical to fully realising the OSTrails vision of interoperable data management solutions. The evaluation process followed a structured methodology, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Tool evaluation process (source D2.1).

A Master Table listed all tools from the project’s national and thematic pilots, distinguishing core tools from additional ones and updating it as tools evolve. Tool representatives provided one-slide summaries (Flashcards) with essential details, allowing for quick understanding of each tool’s functionalities and use cases. A detailed analysis of each core tool (Per-Tool Analysis) was conducted, which focused on compatibility with standards, data formats, integration, and other interoperability issues. The final report (OSTrails IF Compliance Analysis) consolidates findings from individual analyses, aligning tools with the OSTrails Interoperability Framework and incorporating feedback for refinement.

D 2.1 lays the groundwork for future developments aimed at enhancing interoperability across the RDM landscape, reinforcing OSTrails’ commitment to driving innovation and collaboration within the open science community.

For more information on OSTrails’ Pathways and Interoperability Frameworks, check out D1.1: Plan-Track-Assess Pathways and M4: Interim Products Establishment for Cross-Task Collaboration.

D4.1: Pilots Methodology and Operational Processes the methodology and processes for implementing the 15 national, 8 thematic, and Horizon Europe pilots under WP4. The pilots will demonstrate the benefits of the OSTrails PTA framework, serving as a foundation for testing the OSTrails solutions developed in WP 1-3. Each pilot will contribute according to their national contexts and needs, which are outlined in this deliverable.

All 15 national pilots are focused on developing maDMP templates tailored to national funder requirements and local infrastructure, streamlining RDM processes and enabling researchers to manage their data effectively in compliance with funder guidelines. Several pilots are working to integrate DMP tools with national infrastructures, including CRIS (Current Research Information Systems), repositories, and other data services. A major focus for pilots in Spain, Poland, France, and Germany is improving the FAIRness of research data by developing FAIR evaluation tools, establishing FAIR metrics, and assessing how to ensure data is accessible, interoperable, and reusable across different platforms and systems. Many pilots aim to increase collaboration between national stakeholders, such as universities, funders, and research infrastructures to reduce the administrative burden on researchers and enhance the quality and accessibility of research outputs. Pilots in Serbia and Greece, among others, are working on enhancing repository and CRIS systems by linking DMPs with other research outputs like datasets and publications. Additionally, pilots throughout the project are actively testing and evaluating the RDM platform onboarded to the project, integrating it with lab notebooks, and conducting FAIR assessments of digital objects stored in repositories.

Eight thematic pilots within the OSTrails project have been strategically selected to cover a broad spectrum of scientific domains and organizational contexts, representing the five EOSC Science Clusters. These pilots will co-create, validate, and showcase the effectiveness of the project's methodologies, tools, and frameworks through initiatives such as the development of interoperability standards and the OSTrails Commons. In addition, they will provide continuous feedback to the OSTrails development teams in the technical WPs 1-3. The Horizon Europe pilot will analyse current data management practices and propose updated templates for future projects.

D4.1 also explains in detail the methodology for Cross Pilot and Cross Project Coordination, which aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between national and thematic pilots and across pilots and ensures that technical developments from WP1-3 are integrated into the pilots and that pilots provide valuable feedback for further improvement.

The national, thematic, and Horizon Europe pilots are important to the overall success of OSTrails, providing diverse testing environments for innovative research data management (RDM) solutions developed by OSTrails. These pilots reflect the varied RDM practices across Europe, addressing unique challenges in different research contexts.

The OSTrails project recently took center stage at a webinar of the Pistoia Alliance, a nonprofit alliance working to lower barriers to innovation in life science and healthcare R&D through pre-competitive collaboration.  Led by Dr. Mark D. Wilkinson from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Prof. Susanna-Assunta Sansone from the University of Oxford, the presentation highlighted OSTrails' pivotal role in addressing the growing challenges of ensuring consistent, accurate, and scalable FAIR data assessment and assistance.

At the core of OSTrails' mission is the creation of standardized APIs and assessment frameworks that will enable FAIR evaluations across a wide spectrum of digital objects. The team is actively working to harmonize the fragmented landscape of FAIR assessment tools by proposing discipline-specific metrics and developing a governance model to ensure that new metrics and methodologies are trusted, transparent, and widely adopted.

OSTrails also aims to reduce confusion and the burden on researchers and data providers by shifting the focus from mere assessment to assistance. Through its innovative tools, OSTrails will provide actionable feedback to help users improve their data's FAIRness, rather than treating assessments as punitive or cumbersome. This shift will also be supported by FAIRsharing, a core component of OSTrails that serves as a look-up service for community data and metadata standards, their relations and use, and plays a key role in the validation and governance of FAIR metrics.

Looking ahead, OSTrails will play a significant role in implementing the decisions of the EOSC FAIR Metrics and Data Quality Task Force and the FAIR Metrics and Digital Objects Task Force. Their work will focus on expanding the range of digital objects covered by FAIR assessments, refining metadata structures, and tackling the complexities of private and sensitive data. By professionalizing the FAIR assessment ecosystem, OSTrails is set to establish a more consistent, efficient, and trusted approach to FAIR data evaluation, benefiting researchers, repositories, and broader scientific communities alike.

Resources

• The presentation is available here.

• The recording can be accessed here.

Read the National Pilot Interview from Greece and explore all the progress of OSTrails pilot studies. Check the latest on their national activities and learn how they’re progressing with the integration of open science and research assessment. This month we had the pleasure of speaking with Zisis Simaioforidis, Technical Coordinator, Theodora Karaiskou, Librarian and RDM Support Officer at HEAL-Link and Maria Kontopidi, associate at the Athena Research Center. Enjoy!

"The Greek pilot leverages the collaboration between OpenAIRE NOADs, Athena Research Center, and HEAL-Link—two organisations actively involved in shaping policies and enhancing infrastructure to support Open Science implementation in Greece. We are excited to contribute to standardising practices across the three phases of research, which will help us align more closely with the EOSC and create streamlined pathways between services, making it easier for researchers to manage and share all types of scientific information and research outputs."

 Elli Papadopoulou, Athena Research Center. 

-Can you briefly introduce your organisations? How do they contribute to EOSC?

The Greek pilot for OSTrails builds on the successful collaboration of OpenAIRE NOADs: Hellenic Academic Libraries (HEAL-Link) and Athena Research Center (ARC). The two organisations have been instrumental in advancing the Research Data Management (RDM) landscape in Greece towards more transparent and FAIR practices. Through their involvement in the Hellenic Open Science Initiative (HOSI), which published the National Open Science Plan in 2020, these organisations are actively implementing Open Science policies within their institutions and contribute to the Plan’s wider adoption by Greek research funders and institutions. OSTrails provides us with the opportunity to invest in FAIRifyng data and in management the planning of data activities and outputs, the latter supported by CITE SA.

HEAL-Link manages significant infrastructure projects such as HARDMIN, a federated data repository infrastructure that supports 15 Greek universities and serves as the academic backbone of HELIX, the Hellenic Data Service managed by ARC. These initiatives are designed to enhance the interoperability of Greek data repositories with the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) by integrating services such as Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) and machine-actionable DMPs (maDMPs). Furthermore, ARC is a member of the EOSC Association, a founding member of OpenAIRE that serves as a pillar infrastructure for EOSC, and recently has been coordinating the project that is building and deploying the EOSC EU Node.

Our work complements each other to ensure that Greece is well-integrated into the EOSC ecosystem, facilitating open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data practices across its regions and public sectors.

-What are you most excited about in OSTrails? What are you looking forward to?

As part of the Greek pilot, at HEAL-Link we are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to significantly enhance the adoption of FAIR principles within the national research ecosystem. The pilot is working on developing customised DMP templates that align with the specific needs of Greek institutions and national policies. These templates will be machine-actionable, allowing for greater automation in data management processes and improving the interoperability of Greek data services with the broader European infrastructure.

This project represents a critical step towards breaking down silos within the Greek research community, fostering better communication between researchers and data stewards, and aligning national practices with European standards. With ARC and CITE we share the prospect of culminating these efforts to shift the Greek research landscape into a FAIR-enabling and open research ecosystem.

-How is planning, tracking and assessing research being realised in your country?

In Greece, research planning, tracking, and assessment are guided by a combination of national policies and institutional frameworks. The National Open Science Plan, published by HOSI in 2020, serves as the foundation for Open Science practices across Greek institutions. Both of us, HEAL-Link and ARC, lead the developments of HOSI, guiding and supporting others in implementing these policies. This year, the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation included open access requirements in national calls of EREVNO KAINOTOMO, while similar provisions had been introduced in the past by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (ELIDEK).

At the university level of HEAL-Link, we perform research assessment by manually collecting and analysing data, primarily focusing on bibliometrics. At ARC we are developing tools for tracking and assessing research outputs, including a demo monitor for projects funded by the GSRI. ARC’s involvement in the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) and its participation in projects like GRASPOS further highlight its commitment to reforming the research assessment landscape in Greece.

The Greek pilot also plans to test and evaluate new methods and tools for research assessment, with a focus on aligning these practices with both national and European standards. This work will help ensure that Greece’s research ecosystem is not only compliant with Open Science principles but also competitive on the global stage.

-Can you provide some details on your pilot's main actors, services and priorities? How will your pilot adopt the results of OSTrails? 

The Greek pilot is spearheaded by HEAL-Link and ARC and supported by CITE SA, a key service provider in the Greek public sector. Our primary focus is to enhance the interoperability of Greek data repositories and enrich their metadata and semantics by utilising the OpenAIRE Graph as well as configure and connect them with tools to support FAIR data management planning and sharing. The services that will be employed for the pilot’s implementation are HARDMIN data repository infrastructure, ARGOS-GR DMP platform, and PID infrastructure.

 Key activities to be performed include the development of maDMP templates, the assessment of FAIRness in university repositories, and the implementation of policies that align with the National Open Science Plan.

The Greek pilot will co-develop and adopt the results of OSTrails by integrating them into the national research ecosystem. This involves our existing national and thematic data services to follow the interoperability frameworks for SKGs, DMPs and FAIR assessment delivered by the project so that their outputs are exchanged seamlessly and in an automated way. Moreover, we will configure maDMP templates to meet the specific needs of Greek institutions and funding bodies.

-Ongoing activities and Next Steps? 

Currently, the Greek pilot is in the preparatory phase of establishing the necessary technical infrastructure to support its objectives. This includes the development of suitable metrics for Research Data Management (RDM) and the assessment of data deposit policies within Greek universities. The pilot is also working on aligning its activities with the upcoming national policies that GSRI intends to implement, particularly concerning Open Access and DMPs in national project calls.

Next steps for the pilot include:

• Community Engagement to establish a community of stakeholders, including researchers, librarians, and data stewards, who will be involved in testing and refining the tools and services developed by the pilot.
• Cross-Pilot Collaboration within the OSTrails project to share best practices, align methodologies, and contribute to the overall success of the project.

To learn more about our Open Science efforts, visit also:

• OpenAIRE country page
• HEAL-Link
• HEAL-Link Scholarly Communication Unit